Comparing the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia
Analyzing the U.A.E. and Saudi Arabia’s Special Relationship
By Christopher Gooding
Thesis:
Both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are very similar in a number of ways; culturally, economically, and even in sharing the same traditions; however the way the countries are managed and the way of life in each is fundamentally different in numerous ways. Though Islamic royal families govern both, there are some key differences that also need addressing.
Introduction:
In order to be intuitive and analyze the relationship between these two neighboring countries, one must first know the basic background of the region and the formations of the countries. The United Arab Emirates is a relatively small Federation that lies on the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf, bordering Saudi Arabia, Oman, and sharing sea borders with Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Iran. The U.A.E. is made up of 7 states, or emirates that are each ruled by an individual monarch; Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain,,Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah. Though the capital and center of commerce is Abu Dhabi, Dubai is the leading emirate in the tourism department and attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each year (Alkim, 2010). Though the UAE is a heavily Muslim, Arabic speaking country, the society itself is extremely liberal. When one walks through a mall in Dubai for example, it is normal to see ladies dressed in Western attire walking along side those wearing the traditional Hijab. Norms such as this allow for a sense of comfort among the foreigners that travel there and allow them to feel like they are right at home. The U.A.E. is said to have a very democratic feel to it, almost as though it were a Democracy. This is all, however, an illusion. This essay will look at the Saudi Arabian influence on the U.A.E. and their contemporary relationship as fellow Islamic countries.
Islam in the Region
This section will not attempt to define Islam as a religion; it will however
By Christopher Gooding
Thesis:
Both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are very similar in a number of ways; culturally, economically, and even in sharing the same traditions; however the way the countries are managed and the way of life in each is fundamentally different in numerous ways. Though Islamic royal families govern both, there are some key differences that also need addressing.
Introduction:
In order to be intuitive and analyze the relationship between these two neighboring countries, one must first know the basic background of the region and the formations of the countries. The United Arab Emirates is a relatively small Federation that lies on the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf, bordering Saudi Arabia, Oman, and sharing sea borders with Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Iran. The U.A.E. is made up of 7 states, or emirates that are each ruled by an individual monarch; Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain,,Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah. Though the capital and center of commerce is Abu Dhabi, Dubai is the leading emirate in the tourism department and attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each year (Alkim, 2010). Though the UAE is a heavily Muslim, Arabic speaking country, the society itself is extremely liberal. When one walks through a mall in Dubai for example, it is normal to see ladies dressed in Western attire walking along side those wearing the traditional Hijab. Norms such as this allow for a sense of comfort among the foreigners that travel there and allow them to feel like they are right at home. The U.A.E. is said to have a very democratic feel to it, almost as though it were a Democracy. This is all, however, an illusion. This essay will look at the Saudi Arabian influence on the U.A.E. and their contemporary relationship as fellow Islamic countries.
Islam in the Region
This section will not attempt to define Islam as a religion; it will however
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